Vacuum machine



March 17,1936. R. E. J. NORDQUIST I 2,

VACUUM MACHINE Filed. Dec. 26, 1951 9 sheets sheet. 1 v

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I ATTORNEY Y INVENT R y March 17, 1936. i R. E. JJNORDQUIST 2,033,951

VACUUM MACHINE Filed Dec. 26, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Y ATTORNE.

March 17, 1936. RE. J; NORDQUIST VACUUM'MACHINE Filed Dec. 26, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVE TO 6 ATTORNE March 17, 19316. R. E. J. NORDQUIST VACUUM MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 4' Filed ec. 26, 1951 March 17, 1936.

R. E; J. NORDQUIST VACUUM MMJHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 26 1931 TTORNEY v Maych 17, 1936. I R. NORDQUI'ST 2,033,951l

' vacuum MACHINE 7 Filed Dec. 26, 1951 ATTORNE 2 .mvgm' I l I March17,' 193 6. R. E. J. NORDQUIST VACUUM MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 26, -19s1- imllllll JINIIIIIIIII TTORNEY I uumization of the vacuum chamber;

STATES PATENT OFFICE vacuum micnmn E. J. Nordqnist, Maplewood, N. as-

signor to American Can Company, New orlp- N. Y., a corporation'of New Jersey Applicati n December-28, 1931, No. 583,371 10 Claims. (01. u-sz') The present invention relates to a vacuum closing machine and has particular reference to one wherein certain parts are manually actuated but onlyin correct sequence being under the automatic control ofother'parts which insure the proper vacuumizing and sealing of the can and prevent incorrect operation of the manually controlled parts.

The principal object of the'present inventionis the provision of'a semi-automatic vacuum closing machine which performs a seaming operation upon a can and cover withinavacuum seaming chamber, the operation of seaming,

which is hand controlled, being prevented until.

the proper predetermined unfit of vacuum has been established within the within the can.

Provision of a vacuum chamber which is closed by hand after a can and cover have been inserted for seaming and 'which, following the correct seaming cycle of operations,.is automatically opened to permit removal of the seamed can.

An important object of'the invention is the provision of a machine of this character which requires the correct closing of the vacuum chamher and the establishment of the proper amount of vacuum before the can and cover to be seamed can be inserted within the seaniing mec 30. and which acts after such insertion to automatically hold the canin'seaming position until the completion of the seaming operation. p

A further important object of the invention is the provision of a seaming machine for sealing cans under vacuum whichembodies an. air

valve controlling the vacuum within the seaming chamber; the position and operation of; the valve being automatically shifted to effect vacuumim-' tion during the seaming operation and to shut 03 co'nnection' with the vacuum source and open the chamber to atmosphere after the seaming; and to hold it in the latter position as l'ongas the door to the chamber is open. a

An important object of-theinvention is'th j provision of anair valve control for a machine of the character described which is automatically actuated by a closing operation of the vacuum chamber to establish communication withfa sourced vacuum and insure the proper vac- I Numerous other objects of the-invention will be apparent as it is better'understood from the following description, which, taken in connec- -tion'with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

chamber and An important object of the invention. is the.

of the upper partof the machine illustratingthe 7 .door of the vacuum chamber in open position; m Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged plan sectional views taken substantially along the respective broken lines 4-! and 5-5 in Fig. 1; a Figs. 6 and 7 are transverse sectional detail nnesH and 1+! in Fig. 4; Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged transverse sectional views" taken substantially along the respective 15 views taken substantially alongthe respective lines a-s and-89 in Fig. 3;

Fig. '10 is an enlarged transverse sectional .de-'- 20 tail taken substantially along. the broken line Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the broken line ll--l l' in Fig. 5;

Fig. 12 is a sectional detail taken substantially 25.

along the linen-12 in Fig. 151; and

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view-taken substantially alorfg the line lI-IS in Fig. 5.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, ,as'illustrated in the drawings, comprises 30 a casing surrounding a vacuum chamber in which I is located a constantly rotating chuck in alignment with a can lifting support. A seaming mechan'ism is also disposed within the chamber and comprisess'eaming rollers mountedadjacent the 85 chuck. The chamber is closed by a. hinged door manuallyoperated' which is moved into chamber closing position after a can and cover have been deposited upon the canlift support within the a chamber.

Upon closing of'the' chamber-an air valve is automatically shifted to complete, communication with an equalizing chamber confined within the frame of'the' machine. This equalizing.

chamber-is in constant communication 'with a 45 vacuum pump and is accordinglyhighly evacu'- ated throughout the operations of the machine. Upon establishment of this communication be}- tween the vacuum. seaming chamber and the.

equalizing chamber, air is removed from the 0 former and from the can. The resulting vacuum condition in the vacuum chamber permits actua tion of a' sylphon bellows associated with mean lifting support which releases a locking attachment on the can support. The can support is then raised by depression of a foot treadle and the can is brought against the chuck into seaming position. In the event that the required degree of predetermined vacuum is not present in the vacuum chamber, the locking device actuated by the sylphon bellows remains in locking position and prevents the lifting of the can into its seaming position.

After the can has been brought into raised position and clamped between the chuck and the can support it is automatically held in seaming position until after the full seaming operation hasbeen completed. This operation of seaming, which is done by cooperation between the rollers and the rotating chuck, isvunder the manual control of the operator who shifts the seaming rollers by actuation of a handle located on the outside of the vacuum. chamber. 7

At the completion of the seaming operation and as the handle is being moved to the end of its stroke, the air valve is automatically shifted to open the vacuum chamber to atmosphere and cut off its vacuum connections. When suflicient air has entered the chamber, the door is automatically thrown open and the can support is lowered for the removal of the seamed can.

The working parts of the apparatus are carried by an upper casing or frame 2| (Figs. 1 and 2) which is mounted upon and bolted to a lower casing or frame 22 formed integrally with a base 23 which rests upon the floor. The lower casing is preferably formed to enclose an equalizing chamber 24 which is vacuumized or exhausted of air by means of a vacuum pump 25 mounted upon a horizontal extension 26 of the casing. A

passageway 21 formed in the casing wall connects ly on a. vertical axis and is also outwardly movable away from the mouth of the vacuum chamber. Fig. 3 illustrates the open position of the 50 door. this position being also indicated-by the broken lines in Fig. 4. The chamber closing position ofthe door is shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

When the door is closed an annular ring gasket 4|, embedded in a groove 42 formed in the inner face of the door, provides a tight seal by engaging a smooth annular flange face 44 surrounding the mouth of the chamber and formed as a part of the casing 3|. The flexible and pivotal mounting of the door allows for a self-adjusting fit of the gasket member 4| against the face 44, the door being held in closed position by atmosphere as long-asthere is a. substantial vacuum in the chamber.'

-' This flexible mounting is, obtained by a number of jointed parts which include an upper lug 45 and alower lug 45 (Figs. 1 and 3) both formed.

the-lower lever 52, the lug 46 being enlarged at 05 to provide a solid footing which rests upon a correspondingly enlarged part 55 of the lever 52. The lever 52 in turn is rigidly supported on the stud 54, a locknut 01 being utilized for clamping the stud in solid position. In a similar way stud 53 supporting the upper lever 5|, is securely clamped in its lug 55 by a locknut 58.

' Acan II (Fig. 11) to be vacuumized and sealed is temporarily closed with a cover I2 which loosely rests on its upper end. The door of the vacuum chamber being open the can and cover are introduced through the doorway and placed upon a can lift support 15 (see also Fig. 3) which is located within the vacuum chamber. The can support I5 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of a vertically disposed shaft 15 extending upwardly from a position outside of and beneath the vacuum chamber and with its upper end extending through an opening 11 cut in the bottom wall of the chamber casing.

A stuffing box is provided for the shaft where it enters the chamber comprising, a collar 18 disposed within the casing opening, and a stufilng box frame I! surrounding the shaft and secured to the casing by bolts 5|. This frame is internally threaded ,for the reception of a gland 82 which cooperates with the collar I8 to confine a packing 83. This construction prevents passage of air' along the shaft butpermits its free vertical movement.

it is guid'ed into a centralized position by a can seat 05 (Figs. 3 and 5) which is adjustably secured to a bracket 08 by bolts 8! extending through a slot 08 formed in the bracket. Locknuts 89 on the ends of the bolts clamp the can seat in fixed and adjusted position- Bolts 9| hold the bracket 05 against an inside wall of the casing 3|. The shape of the guide member 05 (Figs. 5 and 11) locates the can 1| centrally of the support I5 and a recess 95 formed in the upper inner corner 'of the guide insures the proper location of the can'cover I2. When the door 34 is closed a gage member cooperates with the parts-05, 55 and holds the can and cover in its centralized position on' the support I5.

This gage member comprises a sliding bolt IOI (Figs. 5 and 11) having an inner projec -tion I02 for engagement with the can II and a lateral projection I03 for engaging the edge of the cover. This gage member is held in adjusted position within an opening I04 formed in a boss I05 of the door 04. A feather I05 (see also Fig. 12) is carried by the bolt IM and is slid within a. featherway I01 formed in the boss I05. This prevents rotation of the bolt IN.

A knurled head I00 is formed on the outer end of the gage bolt and this provides a convehient finger hold. The boss n5 is extended outwardly in a threaded shank I05 and the end of the bolt is enclosed within a hollow threaded cap III secured to the shank. Bolt III is locked in adjusted position by a locking key II2 which has slight sliding movement within a bore II! formed in the boss 05. This key is formed with a circular recess I 4 on the side adjacent the bolt IM and the latter fits snugly in the recess. When the bolt II has been brought to its adjusted position the key 2 is pulled outwardly a short distance by means of a locking nut II5 threaded on its end and this brings it into clamping position. The boss I05 may be cut awa at II6 to provide a seat for the locknut.

The can and cover II, 12 in its centralized position on the support: 15 is beneath a chuck I2 I (Figs. 3, 5 and ll) of a seaming mechanism. This chuck is secured to the lower end of a'vertically extending shaft I22 which projects upwardly through anopeningform'e'd in an upper wall I23 of the casing 3|. A stuillng box I24 with its gland I25 is secured by bolts l25 to the bearings. I38, I38. The drive shaft also carries a second belt pulley I44 which is located adjacent the pulley I43 and which transmits driving power to the pump 25 (see also Fig. 2) by means of a belt I45 passing over a similar pulley I45 secured to a drive shaft I41 onthe pump.

The chuck I2I isthus constantly rotated when the can and cover are raised into engagement with thechuck for seaming they are correspondingly rotated. This raising of the can parts takes place with a lifting of the support 15 which isunder the manual control of the operator. Provision is made for preventing premature raising of the support or in other words before the vacuum chamber 32 has been suiiizciently vacuumized.

The degree of vacuum required for seaming will vary with the nature of the product. being sealed in the can and the safety lockingdevice for this controi'permits setting of the predetermined amount of vacuum which has been decided.

upon as'the minimum degree of vacuum proper scribed indetail. v

. Vacuumi'zation of the chamber 32 is made by connection with the* equalizing chamber 24 and sfoirthispurpose the upper casing wall I23 (Fig. 6)

is formedwith a verticallyextending passageway I5I which communicates with a similar opening I52 formed In a valve body I53 mounted upon and secured to the casing by bolts I54. The valve p body I53 is also provided with a second vertical bore or opening I55 located adjacent to but spaced a slight distance from the bore I52.

bore I55 communicates with a passageway I-55 formed in the casing wall and its lower end communicates with the upper end of a pipe I51 (see also Figs.,3, 4 and 5). The lower end of the pipepasses through an opening I 58 (Fig.2) in the side wall of the lower casing 22 and connects with the equalizing chamber 24. v

I Ali-air valve I5I (Figs. 4 and 6), is mounted upon the valve body I53 and has sliding movement within a longitudinal groove I52 formed in the upper surface of the valve body I53- Theunder faceofthevalve adjacent the upper face ..of the, valve body is cut away to provide a-connecting air passage I53. When the door" 34 of the vacuum chamber 32 is closed upon a can the housing III and carries a gearpinion I35 and ' I5I is in the position illustrated inFig. 6 and the passageway I83 then eonnects'the parallel bores I52, I 55. Air will nowpass from the chamber 32 through the connecting passages I5I, I52,

I53, I55, I55, through the pipe I51 and into the equalizing chamber 24 where it is exhausted by J the pump 25. i

properly seated upon the-support 15, thevalve An opening 114 (Fig. 8) is cut through the I rear wall of the chamber casing 3| preferably back of the support 15 and parts of the safety locking device-for preventing the premature lifting of the cansupport are located at this position. A boss I15, formed in the rear wall of the casing, surrounds the opening I14 and a cap I15 is secured to the outer face of the boss by bolts I11. Its interior communicates with the opening I14 and provides a pocket I18 for a sylphon bellows I18.

The flexible. walls of the. bellows atth end adjacent the vacuum chamber connect with a movable head I8I and at the opposite end are secured to a stationary head I82. The stationary head is connected with the cap I15 by screws I83 and projects rearwardly through the end wall of the cap in a stem I84. The head I82 including its stem section is centrally ape'rtured, a horizontal bore I passing throughout its length.

A rod I81 extends through the head I82 within its central bore and its inner'end is threadedly engaged with the head II. The outer end of the rod is connected with a grooved collar'l88 by a nut I88 which is threaded on the rod.

The stem I84 is threaded for the reception of p an adjusting nut I84 and a locknut I85. The former, in cooperation with the collar I88, con- ,flnes a spring I85 which surrounds the stem and also the rod 181; The position of the nuts m, I85upon the stem determines the amount of compression upon the spring I85 which controls the movement of the rod I81 under actuation of the sylphon bellows. By p acing -a given corn more fully explained as the description proceeds}.

The inside of the sylphon bellows I18 is filled 1 with air at atmospheric pressure and the exterior wall of the mo able head I8I of the bellows. is under the sam pressure as atmosphere of the interior of the chamber 32. When the chamber is vacuumized there is, therefore, a difierence in pressures between the outside and the inside walls ofthe head I8I. This pressure difference tends to cause movementof the head I 8| toward the direction of least pressure,vi. e. inwardly. The spring I85 being under compression tends to move the rod I81 and head I81 in'the opposite dire tion. One movement tendency is in' whole or in outwardly as in the position shown in Big. 8

part counterbalanced by the other, depending upon the adjusted spring power.

'In practice the spring holds the head I8I until the predetermined minimum vacuum point has been reached within the chamber. When that condition has been established the force of the air on the inside, of the bellows overcomes the combined springpressure and the, rarefied chamber pressure'and head I8I and rod I8I-move inwardly or toward theleft asd'iewed in Fig- 8.

This movement of the head III and the rod I81 connected therewith unlocks an element of the safety locking device associated with the suplever 20| (Figs. 1 and 8) pivoted at 202 to the side of theupper casing 2|. The lever 20| is yoked at its free end and pins 203 carried in the yoke project into the groove of the collar I88 and form a loose connection between lever and collar. Movement of the collar with the rod I81 imparts a corresponding movement to the lever. Alink 204 is pivotally connected at 205 to the lever MI and at 208 to the upper end of a lever 201 (see also Fig. 10)

Lever 201 is secured to a rockshaft 208 which oscillates in a bearing 209 formed in a web 2|| projected forwardly of the casing 2|. The lower end of thelever 281 is formed with an extension 2|5 which engages a stop lug 2|8 of a latch disc 2", when in the position shown in Fig. 8, this being the hooked position assumed prior to, the

- vacuumizing of the chamber 32 to the predetermined vacuum point.

The latch disc 2" is keyed to a horizontal rockshaft 2 l8 (Figs. 8, 9 and 10) which is mounted within a bearing 2|9formed in the web 2| l. shaft 2|8 also carries a cam 220 '(see also Figs. 1 and 2) provided with a segmental groove Hi. This cam is secured to a plate 222 which carries a pin 223 which provides pivotal connection for a connecting rod 225 pivotally connected at its lower end at 228 to a foot treadle 221 pivoted at 228 to the casing 22. This treadle carries a foot engaging tread 229. a

. As long as the 1ever'201 is in locking position with its end 2|5 engaging the latch 2", the shaft 2|8 can not be oscillated and the foot treadle 221 cannot be depressed. When the proper degree of vacuum has'been established within the chamber 32 and the lever 201 has unlocked the parts 2| 5, 2| 6, depression of the footv treadle 2 21 moves the shaft 2|8'in a counter clockwise direction (Figs. land 8) and the upper part of the cam 220 is swung forwardly.

The shaft 18 on which the can support 15 is mounted, has vertical movement within bearings 23l, 232 formed in the web 2.

is clamped in adjusted position by a bolt 234.

Thiscollar projects rearwardly at 235 to provide I support for a stud 238 on which a cam roller 231 is rotatably mounted. The roller 231 rests at all for this purpose aholding device automatically comes into play. This device prevents lowering of the can or return of the foot treadle until after the seaming operation has been completed. Figs. 9. and 10 illustrate the principal parts which comprise a locking pawl 24| keyed to the end of the rockshaft 208 opposite to that on which the lever 201 is secured.

When the shaft 208 oscillates to unlock the lever "281 andlatch 2", as previously described, the locking pawl 24l moves a corresponding dis- This shaft carries a split collar 233 (see. also Fig.,l) which locking position with the locking pawlend 242,

holding against the projection on the cam block remains until after the seaming operation has been completed. The unlatching of the locking pawl after completion of the seaming'operation will behereinafter described. A

The can and cover now rotating with the rotating chuck |2| is in pmition for seaming and this operation is under the manual control of the operator. -The seaming mechanism comprises first and second operation seaming rollers 245, 248 (Figs. 3, and 13). Roller 245' is rotatably mounted upon a stud 241 which is carried in a seaming head 248 (see also Fig. 7) secured to the lower end of a seaming shaft 249 journaled in an eccentric adjusting bushing 25| mounted for oscillation in an opening 252 formed in .the casing wall I23. t

The second operation seamingroller 248 (Figs. Sand 13) is mo ted upon apin 253 whichfis formed in three sections. The central section which supports the roller (d signated by the numeral 254) is eccentric to t eaxis of the ends of the pin which are engaged in and carried by "the seaming head 248. By turning the pin within its bearings the roller 248 may be adjusted closer to or further from the roller 245. This provides its seat. A locking pin 255 carried in the head 248 is used for holding the pin 253 in adjusted position. The pin 255 is cut away at 258 where it engages the roller pin and this allows for .a wedging and clamping action when the pin 255 is moved longitudinally by turning it in its threaded engagement with the head. A locknut 251 may be provided.

The eccentric bushing 25| is packed outside and inside to prevent leakage of air into the vacuum chamber. An annular gasket 258 (Fig. 7) is interposed between the lower face of a toothed projecting flange 258 of the bushing 25| and the upper face of the casing wall 123. This prevents leakage of air between the bushing and the opening" 252 in the casing. That part of the top of the bushing surrounding the shaft 248 is extended at 28| forthe reception of a stuiling box 282. This provides for the maintenance of an airtight seal between the shaft 248 and its bearing. Adjustment of the bushing and the seaming head is easily made from the outside of the seaming chamber. For this purpose teeth 253 (see also Fig. 4) of the flange 258 are engaged by a worm toothed section 284 formed on a pin 285- rotatably mounted in lugs 288 projecting up wardly from the wall I23. A knurled head 261 is'formed on the outer end of the pin 285 and provides a convenient finger hold for turning the pin and, through it, the bushing. A clamping plate 288 is used to, hold the bushing in adjusted position. This plate is mounted on the wall I23 and overhangs the flange 258 of the bushing.-

Cap screws 288 hold the plate in clamping posi- ;-s,oas',os1'. i tion. imam plate 2n (see as. uwan apointer assistsin-location of the bushing 888 8 along the teeth 293. 1

The seaming head 249 is supported upon a button 213 located within a depression 214 formed in the casing wall 3I. This button rests upon'an adjusting screw. 213 threadedly, secured in the casing wall and a locknut 219 is utilized for clamping the screw in adjusted position. "The vided with a handle 292 which the operator grasps when ready for seaming. I s

A cap screw 293 is threadedly secured into the I end of the shaft 249- and its head 294 clamps against is grooved collar 295-and holds it in rigid at position on the handle lever. A pin :90 may be passed through the collar 293 and inserted into the end of the shaft to prevent rotation of the p rts.

. The handle lever is normally held in its nonoperating position (Fig. 4) by a. spring device which must be expanded when the operator moves the handle lever and the seamer-shaft. 'The spring of such a device, indicated by numeral 291, is secured at one end to the collar 293 by ascrew 299 and its opposite end engagesa stud 299 projected outwardly from the column I92. The end of the spring adjacent the screw 299 rests within the grooveof the collar and as the handle lever 29I is moved t e spring is expanded '40 as. its handle .end parti' y wraps around the periphery of the collar 29!. After the seaming operation has been completed and the handle 292 disengaged, the spring 291 insures return of the parts back into normal position.

The exact non-operating position of the handle -levers29l (Fig. 4) as held by the spring 291 is determined by a stop device carried by the seaming head 249. This comprises an adjusting screw 30I (Figs. 5 and "7) threadedly engaged in 9. lug

302. formed in the head. A setscrew 303 holds the screw "I in adjusted position. The end of= the adjusting screw strikes against a stop rib 304 formed in'the casing wall and limits the movement of the parts 249, 249 and the handle lever 29I.

l The air valve I9I (Figs. 4 and 6) ,is moved bythe handle lever 29I to close the exhaust as the seaming operation is completed and as the handle lever approaches the end of its forward stroke.

Prior to such movement and while the seaming ward position (Figs. 4 and 6).

chamber is under vacuum, the valve is in its for- The valve is yieldingly'heid in this position by a spring 309 which holds thefront edge of the valve against a plate 309 fastened to the valve -.body I53. This spring is secured to a pin 301 carried by a tail extension 309 projecting rearwardly of=the valve. The; opposite, end of the spring engages-the freeqend of an arm 309 which is-an integral part of a sleeve'3l I. The sleeve is mounted for oscillating movement on a fixed vertical shaft 3I2 (Fig. 3) carried in the casing head I23 its top end projecting into the bottom wall of the gear housing I9l. Sleeve 3 also has an arm 3I3 terminating'in,

desiredvertical position of the seaming head is v a boss m wmsn carries a pin m. Thedoor a is provided with a projecting boss 3I3. (Fig.3) in which a pin 3" is positioned. This pin 3" is so located as to be brought into engagement and to move with the pin 3I5 when the door is closed upon the vacuum chamber. This action rotates the sleeve 3I I on the stationary shaft 3J2 and the arm m is shifted to the position illustrated in Near theend of movement of the handle; lever and after the first and second seaming rollers have successively'performed their work on the seam of .the can and cover, the pin 329 strikes against a projection 321 (see also Fig. 6) formed on the air valve and valve and handle move together. This is against the yielding action of the spring 309.

The passageway I93 in the valve moves beyond and out" of communication with the opening I32 in the valve body I33 and cuts oit'connection with the equalizing chamber 24. At the same time a channel 329, formed in the-front end of the valve moves over the open end of the opening I32 and air rushes into the vacuum chamber. This destroys the vacuum within the chamber and atmospheric pressure is substituted. The valve I9I in its extreme backward position strikes against a block 329 (F18. 6) which is embedded in the valve body I53. r

As the air pressure on the outside and on'the inside of the door 34 becomes equalized. the-outside atmosphere ceases to hold the door in closed position and the spring 305 being under tension quickly moves the arm 309 on the shaft 3I2 and forces the 'arm 3 I3 outwardly. The pin 3|! pushing against the door pin 3" partially opens the "door by swinging it on its hinges. The door being free tomove is then opened by hand the member II I making a convenient handle for the pur- The unlocking of the latch device which holds the can support in its raised position takes place automatically, the moving valve I9I at the end of ward end 331 engages an arm 339 formed as an integral part of the locking pawl 2. This moveq ment of. the shaft 332 and the corresponding shifting of the locking pawl 24 I disengages its end 242 from the projection 244 on the collar 243.

The shaft 2-I9 is thereupon pulled back to its normal position by a spring 34I (Fig. 2) which is a secured at one end to '9. lug 942 formed on the plate 222. This plate strikes against the casing 2I as'shown in Fig. 2 and this limits the move- .ment of the shaft 2I9 as rotated by the spring .'I'he opposite end of the spring 3 is se-' of the gear housing l3l.

forced downwardly by an enclosed spring 355 a cured to a' fixed post 343 formed in the casing 22. The seamed can, which was'lowered with the can support 15, is now free from the seaming chuck i2! and may be removed from the seaming chamber.

As long as the door 34 is open, there is no working tension upon the spring 305 (Figs. 4 and 6). This will now be explained. The free end of the arm 309 is formed as a boss 35| and a bushing 352 is held in the boss by a pin 353. This pin extends through the bushing and is fastened at its end into a button 354v positioned on top of the boss and frictionally engaging the under wall which forces its lower end into frictional engagement upon the upper face of the valve iii.

A projection 356 is formed in the upper side of the valve and is spaced a short distance from the projection 321. As long as the door is open the bushing 352 is held against the projection 356 by the spring 305 and even though the spring is under tension it cannot move the arm 309 relative to the valve. In other words it is under nonworking tension.

The valve IGI remains in its backward position against the stop 329 as long as the door is open and with the passageway 328 in communication with the opening I52 and the exhaust passage I55 is closed. Normally the handle lever 29| is immediately released upon completion of its forward. stroke and is returned to normal position by the spring 291 as previously described. This return movement of the handle lever at that time or later does not eifect the poligon of the valve. Closing of the door for a sea g cycle indirectly moves the valve by reason of the oscillation of the sleeve 3 with its arms 309, 3| 3 which action first forces the bushing 352 back and away from the projection 356 and this puts a working strain on the spring 305. This spring tension then causes the slide valve to be pulled forward-and it moves along its guideway until its front end is brought into engagement with the plate 305.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form,

construction and arrangement of the parts wltg-liout departing from the spirit and scope of t invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing containers, the combination of a casing enclosing a vacuum chamber adapted to be brought under a predetermined vacuum, a rotatable containerlifter and can- -rotating chuck and seaming mechanism in said chamber, means 'for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, actuating devices for said seaming mechanism manually operable from the outside of said casing, and means operated by said actuating de vices and effective at the termination of the seaming operation for brealdng the vacuum in seamed can.

2. In an apparatus for vacuumizing-andseali'rficontainers, the combination of a casingenclosing a vacuum chamber adapted to be brought under a predetermined vacuum, can-rotating means and seaming mechanism in said chamber,

said chamber opening it for removal of saidmeans for closing saidschamber after insertion 01' a can-and cover to be seamed, instrumentali The bushing 352 is ties for raising the can and cover into seaming position within said seaming mechanism, and safety means controlled by the vacuum in said chamber, devices connected with said safety means and can raising instrumentalities for preventing the raising of the can into seaming position in the event that the vacuum in said cham; ber is less than .the desired predetermined degree of vacuum.

mentalities and the raising'oi the can into seaming position in the event that the vacuum in said chamber is less than the desired predetermined degree of vacuum.

4. An apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing,

containers, comprising in combination, a vacuum chamber having a fixed bottom and a door in the side thereof, seaming mechanism in said chamber, can-rotating means and means for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, means including a foot control operable exterior of said chamber for bringing the can and cover into seaming position within said seaming mechanism, and means for holding said can and cover in seaming position irrespective 01' the continued actuation of said foot control.

5. An apparatus for vacu'umizing and sealing containers, comprising in combination, a vacuum chamber, can-rotating means and seaming mechanism in said chamber, means for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, means including a foot control operable exterior of said chamber for bringing the can and cover into seaming position within said seaming mechanism, actuating devices for said seaming mechanism operable exterior of said chamber for eflecting the seaming of the can and its cover by said seaming mechanism, and means independent of the continued actuation of said foot control for holding said can and cover in seaming position throughout the seaming cycle.

6. An apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing containers, comprising in combination, a vacuum chamber, seaming mechanism in said chamber, means for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, actuating devices for effecting the seaming of the can and its cover by said seaming mechanism, a slide valve controlled by said actuatingdevices and eflective at the termination of the seaming operation for breaking the vacuum in said chamber, means associated with said valve for opening said chamberaiter itsvacuum has been broken. means for holding said valve in vacuum breaking position while said chamber is open, and restoring means operated by the closing oi said chamber for returning said valve to position to bring said chamber under vacuum.

- 7. An apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing containers, comprising in combination, a casing enclosing a vacuum seaming chamber and a vacuum equalizing chamber, a seaming mechanism in said seaming chamber tor hrmetically A manually operable from the outside of said cassealing a cover on a can, means for closing said seaming chamber before the seaming operation, means for vacuumizing said equalizing chamber, and means including a slide valve for connecting V'said chambers when said seaming chamber is closedfor said can and cover sealing, said means also breaking the connection between said chambers and connecting the seaming chamber with atmosphere after said sealing "has been completed. v

B. In an apparatus for vacuumizing 'and sealing containers, the combination of a casing enclosing a vacuum chamber adapted to be brought under a predetermined vacuum, seaming mechanism in said chamber, means for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, actuating devices for'said seaming mechanism manually operable from the outside of said casing, and means sensitive to vacuum the sensitive element of-which is arranged within the walls of said chamber for preventing the seaming I of can an cover without the proper degree of said prede ermined vacuum in said chamber.

9. In an apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing containers, the combination of a casing enclosing a vacuum chamber adapted to be brought under a predetermined vacuum, seaming mechanism in -said chamber, means for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, actuating devices for said seaming mechanism ing, means sensitive to vacuum the sensitive elementof which is arranged withinthe walls of said chamber for preventing the seaming of can and cover without the proper degree of said predetermined vacuum in said chamber, and adjusting devices for altering the said predetermined vacuum point;

10. In an apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing containers, the combination of a casing enclosing a vacuum chamber adapted to be brought under a predetermined vacuum, seaming mechanism in said chamber, means for closing said chamber after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, adjustable gage members associated with said chamber'closing means for centering said can and cover in said chamber, actuating devices for" said seaming mechanism, and means sensitive to vacuum the-sensitive element of which is ar-- containers comprising in combination, a casing enclosing a vacuum chamber, seaming mechanism including seaming elements in said chamber for sealing a cover on a can, a seamingshaft extending through said casing and supporting said seaming'mechanism, actuating devices'for rotating said shaft to effect the said sealing of the-can 'by the seaming elements, and means interposed between'said shaft and said casing and operable from a position exterior of -said casing for bodily moving said'shaft laterallyto vary the relative position between said seaming elements and the said can inorder to adjust the characteristics of thecan and cover seam as created by said seaming mechanism 12. An' apparatus forvacuumizing and sealing containers comprising in combination, a casing enclosinga vacuum chamber, seaming mechanism including firstgand second operation seaming rolls in said chamber for sealing a cover on a can, a seaming shaft extending through said cas-v ing and supporting said seaming mechanism, actuating devices for rotating said shaft to eiiect the said sealing of the can by theseaming rolls, and means interposed between said shaft and said casing and operable from a position exterior of I said casing for bodily moving saidshaft laterally to vary the relative position between; said sealing rolls and the said can in order to adjustthe characteristics of the can and cover seam as created by. said seaming mechanism, and means for ad- ,justing the axis of rotation of one of said seaming'rolls relative to the other. I

13. An apparatus for vacuumizing, and sealing containers, comprising the combination of a casing enclosing a vacuum-chamber, can-rotating means and seaming mechanismin said chamber, a can support in said chamber for holding a can and cover to be seamed, a door hingedly connected to said casing for admitting said can and cover to said can support when in open position and for closing said chamber when in closed position, means on said door for engaging the cancover, means for'vacuumizing said chamber, and actuating means for said seaming mechanism'which cooperate with said can support to effect the seaming of the can and cover, said actuating means cooperating with said vacuumizing means to establish and remove a vacuumized condition. -14.-An apparatus for vacuumiz'ing and sealing containers, comprisingin combination, a vacuum chamber, can-rotating meansand'seamingmechanism in said chamber, an inwardly movable door for closing said chamber after insertion of a can v ".and cover to be seamed and havingmeans to adjust the can, actuating devices for effecting the seaming of the can and its cover by said seaming mechanism, a slidevalve controlled by said actuating devices and effective at the termination of .the seaming operation, for breaking the vacuum in said chamber, and means associated with said valve for opening said closing means after the vacuum in said chamber has been broken.

15. An apparatus for vacuumizing' and sealing containers, comprising in combination, a vacuum chamber, can-rotating means and seaming mechanism in said chamber, an inwardly movable door for closing said chamber'after insertion of a can and cover to be seamed, actuating devices for effecting the seaming of the can and its cover.

in vacuum breaking position'while said chamber is open. I

16. An apparatus for vacuumizing containers comprising, in combination, acasing enclosing a vacuum chamber adapted to be brought under a predetermined vacuum, seaming mechanism in said chamber, a door to permit introducing a container into said chamber, means for closingsaid door and chamber after insertion of a container to be seamed, actuating devices for operating said seaming mechanism, and a vacuum-responsive bellows member disposed in said chamber, said bellows member being expansible and collapsible so as to be acted upon exterior-1y by normal and rarefied and intermediate pressures, and means operated by the expansion of. said bellows for preventing the seaming of aco'ntainer in said chamher when the latter is not sufi'iciently vacuumized:. 

